Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 1996-09-13

Acute pesticide poisoning associated with use of a sulfotepp fumigant in a greenhouse--Texas, 1995.

Index: MMWR Morb. Mortal. Wkly. Rep. 45(36) , 780-2, (1996)

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Abstract

Pesticide fumigants that eradicate pests but do not damage flowers or foliage can be used to protect market-ready florals. During November 1995, a pesticide applicator worker in Texas became ill during fumigation despite wearing the personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended on the fumigant product label. This report summarizes the results of the case investigation by the Texas Department of Health (TDH) and CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and a survey of growers about pesticide use. The findings indicate that the recommended PPE may be inadequate to protect workers using sulfotepp fumigants from pesticide poisoning.